Many, hesitate to come to Christ because they understand the impossibility of keeping the “law”. The same would say, the “grace” message can’t be as easy as what Christ has revealed to the Apostle Paul, and passed on to us. (Galatians 1:12)  It’s often referred to as “greasy”, “hyper” or “cheap” grace. 

Greasy, would imply that you have to “climb” and slipping backwards. Cheap, would imply that you “must” do something to be worthy of it or maintain it. That it’s been reduced so anyone could have it without effort. 

Hyper, means over, beyond and excessive. 

Well, it’s certainly not cheap, Christ paid it all; even to the point of emptying Himself. It’s not greasy because you can’t slide out of it. 

It is hyper because it’s excessive! It’s abundant and abounds above sin every time. It’s free, available to all, and… it teaches us to even say no to sin. 

The law points out our transgressions, but has no power to change us. Grace, teaches us to say “no” to sin. 

Understanding law, will cause us to RUN to grace!

So, law is impossible and grace is too easy. What to do? “I’ll just do what I think is right”, one may say, and another religion is born. 

[3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:3)

Many religious institutions, scholars, theologians and well meaning pastors have done a horrible job at defining “law” and “grace”, respectively, but a superb job at erroneously conflating the two. 

Ask your friends, family, neighbors, or even a stranger the following question: Biblically speaking, what does “the law” mean to you?  Most will say, it’s rules, the big ten – The Ten Commandments. 

And, all would agree that when you disobey “the law”, a penalty is imposed. 

Then, ask them to define biblical grace. Most are unable to give you a clear definition of grace, but will usually conflate the two. 

That grace, is God granting you the ability to keep His law, or grace is given for your attempts at keeping His law. Or… Grace does away with the law, minimizes, or waters down the law. 

The biggest problem in religion today is not cheap or greasy grace, but cheap, greasy law. That you, or anyone could ever keep God’s perfect law. A high view of the law will lead you to grace with gratitude. A low view of law will lead you to attempt to keep it. (Legalism)

Just stop and read the book of Deuteronomy, you’ll run to grace. 

Scripture is clear: The law is perfect, holy and good. Not one jot nor tittle shall pass from it… till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18)

We are saved by grace through faith, not by works lest any man could boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

SO WHICH IS IT?  Both. 

They’re both correct… but, that’s similar to saying the ocean has 10 gallons of water!  It’s true, but there’s so much more. 

If we rightly divide the word of God, in context, (2 Timothy 2:15) we will see that law leads us to grace. We are set free, saved from the impossibility of keeping God’s perfect standards. Accepting this free gift of grace is God’s greatest display of love and mercy, and our highest form of praise. 

Grace was around long before the law of Moses. There were hundreds of years between Abraham and Moses. Where was the law?

What law?

To whom was it given?

When was it given?

Where and why was it given?

In our next writings, we will explore the true meaning of law. How law leads to death and grace to life. 

“Rabbi, show us the work of the Father that we might do them” Jesus answers: “the work is that you believe”

Sinner’s PULPIt. 

“Come in a sinner and leave a saint”

Sinnerspulpit.com/ apple podcast.